2008 KAWASAKI MULE™ 3010 TRANS4x4® DIESEL
The original transforming utility vehicle adds power steering to its repertoire

Mule 3010 Trans 4x4 Diesel Green Mule 3010 Trans 4x4 Diesel Red Mule 3010 Trans 4x4 Diesel Green

Kawasaki introduced the diesel version of its successful MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4® last year. This unit mated the extra power and convenience of a diesel engine with a four-wheel drive off-road utility vehicle that allows the user to transform it from a four-person 4x4 to a two-person with an extended cargo bed 4x4 in a few quick steps. For 2008, Kawasaki upped the ante again — and added electric power steering (EPS) to the versatile MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL.

The new EPS offers a more comfortable and controlled ride by reducing steering effort at low speeds and harnessing its electric motor’s inertia to dampen out most of the bump steer and kickback caused by impacts to the wheel. Electrically driven, the motor is controlled by an ECU that uses input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor to determine the amount of assistance provided. This system doesn’t put a power drain on the engine and works immediately — available as soon as the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.

This off-road work horse features a fully automatic transmission with two or four-wheel drive options, and takes only a moment to convert from a two to a four-person ride. While the cargo payload expands from 400 to 800 pounds in the two-person configuration, users have the ability to select between cargo and personnel carrying needs, depending on the specific job-at-hand.

This versatility, coupled with the legendary reputation of Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled, three cylinder diesel engine makes the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL an immediate winner. The overhead valve design of the engine maximizes efficiency while the cast iron block and head ensure extra durability in all types of usage. Producing 38.3 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, this unit has low-end pulling power to spare for the most rigorous of needs.

The Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS) is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps keep engine rpm in the most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed, load, or terrain. The CVT yields a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling power and quick acceleration. Strength and durability are aided by large torque converters which maximize belt engagement area, improving heat dissipation, as well as the use of a thick, strong drive belt.

Tuned specifically to accommodate higher payloads, the KAPS also features a high-flow cover that helps cool the CVT while providing superb splash protection and water-proofing. Sheaves with high silicon-type material add to this unit’s increased durability, and an adjustable belt deflection and open sided drive pulley provides better cooling for longer belt life.

The MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL also features a torque converter air filter that uses an efficient intake cooling fan to draw sufficient air into the CVT. Wear is reduced by cooling the converter with filtered air, courtesy of a special air cleaner that uses an easily replaceable filter element.

The engine air cleaner is a cyclone-type Donaldson unit with a replaceable paper element. This design is effective and needs less frequent cleaning, even through repeated MULE utility vehicle use in extremely dusty off-road conditions. The MULE is equipped with a gauge that indicates when the filter should be changed.

Helping the filter stay clean and last longer—especially in the rugged conditions for which this Kawasaki was built—the engine air and converter cooling air are drawn from the top of the cab frame, where there’s less dust.

Among this MULE many attributes are a dual-mode differential, limited slip front differential, two-speed transfer case for the four-wheel drive, independent strut-type front suspension, DeDion rear suspension, and four-wheel, self-adjusting sealed hydraulic drum brakes.

An improved ride—in conditions that often times cry out for comfort—comes courtesy of the 23-inch tires with stiff sidewalls, improving both off-road function and providing added ground clearance. The rear wheel bearings use two rollers in one large bearing, providing added durability.

Kawasaki takes pride in the owner usability attached to all of its products, and this MULE is no exception. The simple, easy to operate controls for the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 DIESEL are all dash-mounted. In addition to the shift mechanism, they include a new digital hour meter, a horn, a 12-volt DC outlet with 10-amp capacity, and a speedometer. A parking brake and coolant temperature warning light are in plain view, and the MULE has a sealed glove box, and an open dashboard storage area.

Winch mounts are standard on the frame of this all-purpose UV, and users will be able to find their way in all kinds of lighting conditions by using the 35-watt, cat-eye headlights that are activated by the push of a simple dash-mounted button.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers, with an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 2,400 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at the Irvine, California headquarters.

Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide and the brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

2008 KAWASAKI MULE™ 3010 TRANS4x4® DIESEL (Features, Benefits, Specs)

Features and Benefits

Key Features

- New Electric Power Steering (EPS) system reduces steering effort and improves the ride comfort and control
- Revolutionary transformable design
- Powerful diesel engine and a fully automatic transmission with selectable 2- or 4-wheel drive
- Simple, convenient dash-mounted controls
- Legendary Kawasaki Mule durability and dependability

Four-Passenger, Off-Road, Four-Wheel Drive Utility Vehicle with Transformable Cargo Bed

- Two rows of seats easily accommodate up to four persons
- Rear seat can be folded down and the cargo bed expanded to carry larger payload (800 lbs. with two passengers, 400 lbs. with four passengers)
- Retractable lap-belts

Engine

- Liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, diesel engine
- Overhead valve design maximizes efficiency
- Cast iron block and head ensure maximum durability
- Massive torque at low rpm: 38.3 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Meets emission standards
- Positive crankcase ventilation system sends blow-by gasses to the intake tract to be burned in the engine
- Restriction gauge announces when the filter needs to be changed
- Cab frame air intake draws engine air and converter cooling air from the top of the cab frame where there’s less dust, so the air filter lasts longer
- Heavy duty 52 amp-hour battery ensures positive starts while the high-output, 40 amp alternator keeps the battery charged

Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS)

- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) is fully automatic
- Keeps engine rpm in most efficient range for any selected vehicle speed, load, or terrain
- Large drive and driven torque converters maximize belt engagement area to improve heat dissipation and add durability
- Heavy duty drive belt ensures durability
- High-flow cover helps cool the CVT while providing superb splash protection and water proofing
- Sheaves with high silicon type material for increased durability
- Tuned to accommodate higher loads
- The CVT yields a wide drive ratio spread for ample pulling power and quick acceleration
- An open sided drive pulley cools better for longer belt life
- Belt deflection can be adjusted

Torque Converter Air Filter

- Efficient intake cooling fan draws plenty of air in to the CVT
- Special air cleaner with easily replaceable filter element cuts torque converter wear by cooling it with filtered air

Dual-Mode Differential

- Strong bevel gear set and rear axle for increased durability
- Locked mode for maximum traction, unlocked mode to minimize ground disturbance

Limited-Slip Front Differential

- Allows great traction with little steering effort

Four-Wheel Drive with Two-Speed Transfer Case

- Shift to four-wheel drive and low range for maximum traction under adverse conditions
- Shift to two-wheel drive and high range to cut running gear wear and increase fuel economy

Rack and Pinion Steering

- EPS reduces low speed handling effort and dampens the bump steer and kickback in rough terrain
- Provides responsive steering
- Tight turning radius for great maneuverability

Independent Strut-Type Front Suspension

- Stiffer springs prevent bottoming and increase ground clearance
- Comfortable ride and excellent load-carrying capability

DeDion Rear Suspension

- Overload-style leaf springs allow a good unladen ride and is durable under maximum loads
- Semi-independent action

Four-Wheel, Self-Adjusting Sealed Hydraulic Drum Brakes

- The brake drums have an added flange and seal to keep out mud and water
- Low maintenance and powerful
- Keep productivity up and operating costs down

Wheels and Tires

- The 23-inch tires have stiff sidewalls to improve the ride and add ground clearance
- The rear wheel bearings use two rollers in one large bearing for added durability
- The seals on all four wheels have three lips to better protect the wheel bearings

Front Hood with Storage Tub

- Large storage tub under the hood with four D-rings to secure the load
- ABS bodywork resists dents; color is molded in

Tilting Cargo Bed

- Thick tailgate panel reduces vibration, noise, and adds durability
- Tailgate locking pins reduce vibration, noise, and provide a secure latch
- Adjustable bed latches

Simple Maintenance

- Cyclone-type engine air cleaner is effective and needs less frequent cleaning even in extremely dusty conditions
- Air cleaner has meter to indicate when to replace the paper element
- An automatic-style fuse box is convenient and uses blade-type fuses

Simple Controls

- Horn and 12V DC outlet with 10-amp capacity
- Parking brake and coolant temperature warning lights are easy to see
- Sealed glove box and open storage area in the dashboard
- Push button headlight switch activates 35-watt cat-eye headlights
- Winch-ready with mounts on the frame
- Standard equipment fuel gauge and digital hour meter

Roll over protective structure (ROPS)

- This structure meets ROPS requirements for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 7.5 and meets the FMVSS 216 Roof Crush resistance requirement

2008 Kawasaki MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4® DIESEL Specifications*

Engine: Four-stroke, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, OHV, diesel
Displacement: 953cc
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 78.0mm
Compression ratio: 24.8:1
Carburetor: N/A
Air filter: Snorkel-type with cyclone-type two-stage dry replaceable element
Oil filter: Automotive-type spin-on canister
Ignition: Compression with glow plugs for starting
Electrical: 12V DC, 52 amp-hour battery, 40 amp alternator
Transmission: Kawasaki Automatic Power-Drive System (KAPS), with reverse, dual range, 2WD/4WD
Final drive: Shaft, selectable four-wheel drive with dual-mode rear differential
Exhaust: Muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor
Tires: Tubeless 23 x 11-10
Suspension, front: Independent, MacPherson strut / 3.9 in.
Suspension, rear: Semi-independent, DeDion axle with leaf springs and shocks / 2.8 in.
Steering: Electric power steering assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums, sealed
Fuel capacity: 6.4 gal.
Dry weight: 1669 lbs.
Overall length: 124.8 in.
Overall width: 57.5 in.
Overall height: 76.1 in.
Wheelbase: 85.2 in.
Ground clearance: 7.0 in.
Roll over protective structure (ROPS): This structure meets ROPS requirements for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 7.5. This structure also meets FMVSS 216 Roof Crush resistance requirement
Cargo bed dimensions (LxWxH): 50.4 x 47.7 x 11.3 in. (2-person)
30.3 x 47.7 x 11.3 in. (4-person)
Load capacity: 1,632 lbs.
Cargo bed capacity: 400 lbs. (4-person mode) / 800 lbs. (2-person mode)
Towing capacity: 1,200 lbs.
Turning radius: 12.8 ft.
Top speed: 25 mph, governed
Lights: (2) 35-watt sealed-beam headlight, (2) 5/21-watt taillight/brakelight
Instruments: Parking brake warning light, coolant temperature warning light, horn, 12V DC outlet, speedometer
Color choices: Woodsman Green
Aztec Red
MSRP: $10,899
Wholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 770-0400
www.kawasaki.com

*Specifications are subject to change.